by Jennifer Torres

Lactation consultants, who provide breastfeeding support, and doulas, who provide labor support, are two relatively new and rapidly growing groups working in maternity care. The work they do builds upon traditional forms of care that have existed for centuries – supporting women through the process of childbirth and the early days of caring for a new baby. However, these two groups perform this work as an occupation, where they are paid to provide these very intimate forms of care.